First Nonstop Flight Across the Pacific

Clyde Pangborn

1896

Clyde Pangborn was born on October 28, 1896, the second son of Max Pangborn and Opal Lamb Pangborn.

1898

Moved to St. Maries, Idaho

Clyde is pictured here with his older brother Percy.

1914

Clyde graduated from high school in 1914.

1918

Clyde received his pilots license.

1923

Clyde was half owner of the Gates Flying Circus.

1931

Round-the-world and trans Pacific flight.

1942

Ferried American made Bombers.

1958

During his forty-year aviation career Pangborn had flown to all parts of the civilized world without major damage to his aircraft. He held pilot's license number 240 and was at the time of his death instrument-rated to fly single or multi-engine, land or sea planes. He had amassed more than 24,000 flying hours during his lifetime.

He was honored with American aviation’s prestigious Harmon Trophy and the Japan Imperial Aeronautical Society’s White Medal of Merit.

Clyde Pangborn was buried with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery. The flier died at the age of 63.